Design Tips for Introverts & Extroverts (and How to Tell Which One You Are)

Introverts are having a moment and we’re joining the party (or the meaningful, one-on-one conversation, as the case may be). Maybe you’re part of the 30% of people who have introverted personalities and you’re looking to turn your space into a calm retreat worthy of some quality quiet time, or perhaps you celebrate your extroverted traits and you want your home’s design to support your social butterfly behavior. You be you! Here’s how to embrace your personality type and optimize your space.

You may be an introvert if:

Trait: You prefer to connect one-on-one rather than in a large group. Try: Creating plenty of nooks and smaller seating areas to encourage intimate conversation.

Trait: You gather all possible information to make a strategic decision, even if it takes longer. Try: Creating a plan for each room before you get down to buying and decorating. Think through how you want to use each room and which pieces will best help you achieve those goals.

Trait: You notice small details that others miss. Try: Filling your home with little extras or thoughtful vignettes that, even if only you notice, make you happy.

Trait: You tend to make quick decisions from your gut, rather than carefully weighing the pros and cons. Try: Decorating your home without overthinking it. If you love it, buy it because it will work in your home.

Trait: You like being in constant contact with the world, even from home. Try: Searching for a home in a urban or bustling neighborhood where you can always be around people, just by leaving the house.

Trait: You work well (or even better) with background noise or frequent interruptions. Try: Making your workspace part of another, high-traffic area in your home, where you'll be in the thick of the action even while working.

A few strategic changes (yes, even for you spontaneous extroverts) can make your home so much more comfortable for you physically and emotionally, too.